OPENING OF PIO PIO BOARDINGHOUSE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 275, 9 July 1910, Page 5

OPENING OF PIO PIO BOARDINGHOUSE.

Close on one hundred se.ttlers assembled on the invitation of Messrs D. H. and V. S. Hattaway, on Thursday, June 30th, at the new and up~-to-date Temperance Hotel for the purpose of celebrating its opening. Punctually at eight o'clock ladies and gentlemen began to arrive, and when nine o'clock struck some twenty couple were gliding around to the soft harmony of piano and violin, later arri vals having to seat themselves in the hall leading to the social room and extending to the commercial room where a number, before a glowing Rr% engaged in drafts and cards whilst others -talked of cattle and sheep and dairy factories and saleyards, ,and enjoyed themselves generally. Ever and anon the gentlemen were found in the spacious hall engaging partners from those "waiting a tu-n," so despite the overflow everybody had an opportunity of getting their feet warmed to the swing of the string band." The hosts and hostesses welcomed each fresh lot of guests and were untiring in their efforts to please and render enjoyment, to all. Vocal, instrumental and elocutionary items were interspersed with dancing until supper was announced. The Mesdames Hattaway attended to this pleasant part of the function in a graceful manner—the viands being of the daintiest and the sandwiches especially a treat. After supper Mr G. E. Elliott, in a complimentary speech, thanked the promoters for the very pleasant evening they had so generously given them. It gave the settlers very much pleasure indeed to respond to the invitation and meet socially their fellow-pioneer, Mr V. S. Hattaway, and offer him their heartiest congratulations on his enterprise. Mr Hattaway had come to the district and established his business when everything was in embryo, had mendous odds to contend with in the shape of roads and lack of communication. He remembered leaving Te Kuiti on one ocasion with Mr Hattaway's waggon at 8 a.m. and getting bogged on the road in the deepest part. They had to discharge their cargo which consisted of a varied consignment, including a live half-grown pig in a crate. All these had to be carried ashore and manuka scrub broken to place under the feet of the four-horse team in order to get a footing to remove the empty waggon. Pio Pio store was reached after dark. Inspite of all these hardships the business had prospered and the district developed on all sides. We prize most in life the things which are most difficult to obtain. Mr Hattaway would never regret his pioneering days in the district. He would remember many happy incidents prominent amongst which would figure the Premier's drive through the mud. He congratulated Mr. Hattaway on, the splendid building in which they were assembled, and which did credit to himself, architect and builder. Mr Elliott, continuing, said: "To you, Mr D. Hattaway, and your wife and family, we' extend a most cordial and hearty welcome to our district. Your reputation, has come before you. You come with good credentials testifying to your moral worth as a citizen. We need your help in the march of progress. You will rind many warm hearts amongst the settlers who extend to you a friendly welcome and wish you every success in your venture." Mr Elliott called for three cheers for the two families which wera lustily responded to with musical honours. The two brothers suitably responded, Mr V. Hattaway paying a tribute to Mr Jones (architect) and Mr Hitchcock, (builder). Mr Jones thanked Mr Elliott and Mr Hattaway for their kindly sentiment, stating that when Mr Hattaway first drove him out to Fio Pio he thought the building he was asked to draw the plans for would be a "white elephant," . but he had -completely changed his opinion. He hoped the house would be profitable to the proprietor and a credit to the district. The following programme was contributed during the evening:—song, "Allen Water," Mr Livingstone; trio, "Juanita," Mrs Rawstron and Messrs Pettigrew and Elliott; recitation, "My First Cricket Match," Mr Battley; song, "Daddy," Mr Elliott; recitation, "The German on 'Omens'," Mr Evans; song, "Doreen," Miss Mossman; recitation, comic, Master Hattaway; step dance, Mr Bevege; recitation, "Paddy Dunbar" (parody on "Lochinvar"), Mr D. Hattaway; song, "Flight of Ages," Hatta way; clever juggling feats by Mr McKay, which evoked rounds of applause; recitation, "Cricket at Killal16e" (comic), Mr Elliott;"song, "Good Company," Mr Anthony; recitation, "John Bull's Letter-box," Master Hattaway; song. Miss Mossman; recitation. ''The Sick Boundary Rider," Mr D. Hattaway; poi dance and cake walk by Native girls. The items of Master Hattaway were much appreciated, he being possessed with exceptional elocutionary ability. Miss Stewart and Mrs Nielson played the accompaniments.- The dance music was supplied by Mr Morgan (violin) and Miss Stewart (piano), and was ailthat could be desired.

The gathering dispersed about 3 a.m. having voted the evening to be the most successful and enjoyable ever spent in the district.

The boarding house consists of fourteen rooms with hot and cold water, is nicely appointed and furnished throughout, and-will be quite an ornament and boon to this progressive district.